Breakdown of Stundum getum við kafað í vatninu.
við
we
stundum
sometimes
vatnið
the water
í
in / into / to (before the hour, in telling time) / per (in frequency expressions)
geta
to be able to
kafa
to dive
Questions & Answers about Stundum getum við kafað í vatninu.
Why is the verb kafað used here instead of the infinitive kafa?
In Icelandic, the verb geta (can/to be able to) is unique. Unlike other modal verbs such as vilja (want) or ætla (intend), it requires the following verb to be in the supine form (often called sagnbót). For the regular verb kafa, that form is kafað.
Why is the subject við placed after the verb getum?
This is because of the V2 (verb-second) rule. Since the sentence starts with the adverb Stundum (sometimes), the verb getum must stay in the second position. This forces the subject við (we) into the third position, right after the verb.
Why do we use the dative form í vatninu instead of the accusative í vatnið?
The preposition í takes the dative case when describing a location where an action happens (swimming around in the water). It only takes the accusative case when showing directed movement from the outside into a new location (like jumping into the water).
How do you break down the word vatninu?
The base word is the neuter noun vatn (water). The -inu suffix is the attached definite article (the) for a neuter, singular noun in the dative case.
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